SOME 240 people were granted Brunei citizenships during a ceremony to present their citizenship certificates at the Fire and Rescue Department, Old Airport, yesterday.
In his speech the deputy minister of home affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Hj Dani Hj Ibrahim urged the new citizens to uphold the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) (Malay Islamic Monarcy), by understanding and practising the culture.
"As citizens, we must have a sense of love for our country, that is, we need to have a patriotic spirit," said the deputy minister.
He said that they should also contribute to the country's devlopment, make sacrifices, abide the rules and regulations, cooperate in the efforts to preserve the country's peace and security.The deputy minister said that values such as religion and nationality should be embedded and maintained for the continued peace of the nation.
"We should cooperate with leaders and local community such as penghulu and village chiefs by involving with positive activities with youth associations, the village consultative volunteer groups, and sport clubs," he said.
Pehin Dato Hj Dani pointed out that there has been an increase in the total number of citizenship granted. He expressed hope that they would contribute more to the development of the country not only domestically but in the international arena as well.
With the latest additions the total number of people who have qualified and been granted citizenship since 1962 is 27,343.
The 50 male and 191 female new citizens received their certificates from the guest of honour.
They also attended a series of briefings in the morning from various government departments such as the Department of Immigration and National Registry, Islamic Da'wah Centre, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Department of Adat Istiadat and the Language and Literature Bureau to enhance their understanding of their roles and responsibilities as new citizens, the Bruneian identity and MIB concept.
According to the 2001-2006 statistics, an average of 738 residents were granted the citizenship, an increase from 638 between the years 1962 and 2000.
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